A: We first started with Metis Homes in 2010, our history with Metis goes right back to their origins and hopefully will continue into the future.
A: We always treat each showhome as an individual project, whether it’s a 5-bedroom executive home or a 1-bedroom starter flat. At the outset we get as much input from Metis Homes as possible: the price of the house, the potential purchaser profile, the location, the building style itself etc. Alongside them we develop a brief to work around that will lead to the finished product. With this in mind, we produce design boards with samples and illustrations of the look we are going for. Once this is agreed we set about physically putting the scheme together. That can range from buying in the selected items of furniture right down to the light bulbs needed for the table lamps and everything in between. Everything is then collated at our warehouse ready for installation. We have our own transport and operatives to deliver and install on the day. We do not use removal firms or rental vehicles, everything is dealt with in house, so we can be certain that nothing goes missing or gets damaged or gets forgotten.
As far as the ranges available to us are concerned: we have accounts with most UK manufacturers and many from overseas. We are constantly updating our "goods library" with the newest ranges when they come out. As you can well imagine our suppliers all have sales representatives who always pay us a visit when they have something new to show off. We also attend trade shows and exhibitions, hopefully, to see what's going to be coming out soon. Often, we see new ranges before most retailers and can predict what’s going to be the next big thing. We can ensure that each interior we produce is up to the minute. We often get featured in trade magazines and on occasion national newspapers.
A: The In House Design Company, as it is formally called, was started by Jackie and myself some 30 years ago. We both come from a background dealing with design/marketing/sales etc. As you know we are both still very hands on with the business and pride ourselves on being able to give a very individual service. We like to establish a good working relationship with each client as we have with Metis and deal with them on every level. To us, our clients are hugely important and it’s through our interaction with them that we can ensure that we deliver what is required and on time. I think another thing that makes us unique are our rental packages.
Everything that goes in the showhome is rented from us, that is apart from the window dressings which are made to measure and are sold with the house. This service cuts out the need for our clients to buy large amounts of furniture etc. that they must deal with once the showhome is finished. It’s also very cost effective from the clients' point of view.
Over the years we have expanded and now have 9 people currently as part of the team. The longest serving is Julie who has been with us for over 20 years and is responsible for her own individual clients, Metis being one of them. Her background, again, is closely linked to the house building industry having worked in estate agency.
Unlike a lot of showhome design companies, here at In House Design we have our own warehousing and transport facilities. We also have our own installation team so that when we undertake a project, we can guarantee that everything will run smoothly and on time. Whether it’s a glorious sea front apartment or a fine country home, each will receive the same attention to detail by our dedicated team. As well as a large warehouse, we also have our own design studio where we can source a huge variety of soft furnishings, accessories, pictures etc. from national and international suppliers.
A: We have been dealing with Metis Homes since their inception and have developed a strong and close working relationship with them. They are always forward thinking and, in my own opinion, they are constantly striving to deliver the best quality product possible. Whether it’s talking to someone in their offices or dealing with one of their site teams, everyone is extremely professional and courteous . Metis is very much a “people business “ and long may we continue to work alongside them.
